Temporary Exhibitions
Ogawa Seiyo and Askaen, a Centennial Journey
Ogawa Seiyo《Basara(Vajra) of the Twelve Divine Generals, Shinyakushiji Temple》ⒸAskaen.inc
Seiyo Ogawa (1894-1960) was a photographer known for capturing images of Buddhist statues primarily in the Nara region and other locations. The photography studio he founded, Askaen, which specialized in photographing Buddhist statues, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. Seiyo Ogawa's photographs were groundbreaking, as they succeeded in creating a mystical photographic space focused on Buddhist statues. His work transcended the role of merely recording cultural assets, elevating the photography of Buddhist statues to the level of art. This exhibition reviews the activities of Askaen, which not only supported cultural heritage preservation but also elevated Buddhist statue photography to an art form, showcasing the photographic works of Seiyo Ogawa and his son, Kozo.
Exhibition Period: April 20, 2024 (Saturday) - June 23, 2024 (Sunday)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed : Mondays (except April 29 and May 6), and April 30, May 7
Admission Fee:
Adults = 1,200 yen
College and High School Students = 1,000 yen
Junior High and Elementary School Students = 800 yen
*For further details, please contact the museum.
Kimono in the Edo Period
(Left) Katabira with Hanging Cloth Screens and Paulownia on Black Plain-Weave Ramie
(Right) Hitoe with Seashore in Spring on vermilion silk crepe
Kimono is recognized as Japanese traditional costume and is worn mostly for formal and ceremonial occasions. The kimono, formerly called kosode (literally, “small sleeves”), had been worn as everyday wear in Japan since the Muromachi period, when it took root as an outer garment. During the Meiji period, western clothing was introduced to Japan and became widespread over time, however, the kimono has continued to be an icon of Japanese culture. Even today, many people wear a kimono at significant milestones in their lives such as Shichi-go-san (literally, “seven-five-three”, an event to celebrate the growth of children aged 3, 5 and 7) and the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, and we often see people wearing a yukata on the night of a summer festival. Although there have been fewer opportunities for people to wear a kimono, it can be said that the kimono is an attractive garment that gives us a sense of aspiration and familiarity.
Despite being an iconic Japanese garment, the kimono has many aspects that we think we understand but in reality, we don’t. For example, when did kosode, the predecessor of kimono, originate, and how and why did it become the major garment in Japan? What is the difference between uchikake, katabira and hito-e, all of which have almost the same shape, and why are they called by different names? Exploring these questions enables us to appreciate the history of Japanese clothing as well as the diverse materials and techniques related to kimono.
This exhibition focuses mainly on women’s kimono in the Edo period from the Yoshikawa Kanpo collection housed in our museum, and traces the history of kimono – one of Japan’s traditional cultures. We hope this exhibition will provide visitors an opportunity to learn about the rich clothing culture created with the great techniques and designs of the time.
Exhibition Period: July 13, 2024 (Saturday) - August 25, 2024 (Sunday)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (except July 15 and August 12), and July 16, August 13
Admission Fee:
Adults = 600 yen
College and High School Students = 400 yen
Junior High and Elementary School Students = 200 yen
*For further details, please contact the museum.
Journey to the World of Edward Gorey
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《Jumblies》Ⓒ2022 THE Edward Gorey Charitable Trust
With a mysterious worldview and intricate monochrome line drawings, Edward Gorey (1925-2000) has captivated fans worldwide. In recent years, his picture books such as "Doubtful Guest" and "Hapless Child" have been introduced in Japan. Gorey displayed his versatile talents not only in his primary books, where he handled both text and illustrations, but also in illustrations, stage and costume design, and posters for theater and ballet. This exhibition reconstructs approximately 250 pieces and materials around themes such as "Children," "Mysterious Creatures," and "Performing Arts," drawn from exhibitions held at the Gorey House, a memorial museum established in the author's final residence. Enjoy an encounter with Gorey's enigmatic works, which possess a sophisticated and cool perspective on life and death, as if embarking on a journey to an old mansion on the East Coast of the United States.
This exhibition, which began last year at the Shoto Museum of Art in Shibuya, is now touring nationwide and will be held in the Kansai region for the first time. Additionally, our museum will host a related exhibit, "Edward Gorey and Japanese Culture: A 20th Century American Perspective."
Exhibition Period: September 14, 2024 (Saturday) - November 10, 2024 (Sunday)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (except September 16, 23, October 14, and November 4), September 17, 24, and October 15
Admission Fee: Adults = 1,200 yen
College and High School Students = 1,000 yen
Junior High and Elementary School Students = 800 yen
*For further details, please contact the museum.
Recent Acquisitions(Tentative)
In addition to featuring works recently added to our collection through donations, we will also present themed exhibitions.
Gallery
Nara Zarashi: From Hemp to Thread, From Thread to Cloth (Free Admission)
Tsukigase Nara Zarashi Preservation Society
November 2016 - Exhibition at Isuien Garden
Nara Zarashi, a high-quality hemp fabric, is known as a specialty of Nara. During the Edo period, it was highly regarded, and it was even said that "the finest hemp comes from Nanto." Although production declined due to competition from other regions, efforts to continue its production have persisted. In March 1979, the weaving and spinning techniques of Nara Zarashi were designated as an intangible cultural property of Nara Prefecture. This exhibition, organized by the Tsukigase Nara Zarashi Preservation Society, which works to pass down these traditional techniques, will be held in the 1st-floor gallery.